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Salivation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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salivation

[ˌsælɪˈveɪʃən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

biological reaction

Salivation refers to the process of producing saliva in the mouth. It is a crucial biological reaction that occurs in anticipation of or in response to food intake, playing a key role in digestion. This process can be triggered by taste, smell, or even thought of food.

Synonyms

saliva production, spit secretion.

Examples of usage

  • Her salivation increased when she smelled the fresh bread.
  • The anticipation of the meal caused excessive salivation.
  • Salivation can be a reflex action to certain stimuli.
  • During the cooking show, viewers often experience salivation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Salivation is a reflex triggered by seeing, smelling, or thinking about food, involving the nervous system.
  • Humans produce around 1 to 2 liters of saliva each day, which helps in the digestion process.
  • Saliva contains enzymes that begin breaking down food even before you swallow it, making digestion easier.

Psychology

  • The sight and smell of food can cause a conditioned response in our brains, leading to increased salivation.
  • Pavlov's famous experiments with dogs showed how salivation can be a learned response to the sound of a bell when paired with food.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, discussing food often evokes salivation, showing how interconnected taste and communication can be.
  • Movies that depict delicious meals often use sounds and visual cues to trigger viewers' salivary responses, enhancing the appetite.

Health

  • Salivation is important for oral health; saliva helps to clean teeth and protects against cavities.
  • Certain medical conditions or medications can reduce salivation, leading to difficulties eating and swallowing.

Origin of 'salivation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'salivatio', which means 'the act of salivating', derived from 'saliva' meaning 'spit'.
  • In ancient times, writers used the term to describe not just the physical process but also expressions of desire, linking it to taste.

The word 'salivation' originated from the Latin 'salivatio', which itself is derived from 'saliva', meaning 'spittle' or 'saliva'. The Latin term 'saliva' is related to the Proto-Indo-European root 'sē-,' which conveys the meaning of 'to drip' or 'to flow'. Salivation has been recognized in the context of physiology and biology for centuries, with historical references to its role in digestion and the anticipation of food. With advancements in medical science, the understanding of salivation has evolved to encompass not only its biological functions but also its implications in various medical conditions. Today, salivation is a common subject of research in fields such as neurology, where it is studied in relation to reflexes and the nervous system.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,201, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.